Fremont intensive care unit nurse manager Arveena Balu, MSN, RN, wanted to make patient safety inspiring.
To rally the team around preventing hospital‑acquired conditions (HACs), she and the team coined the catchy phrase “HAC No.”
The work went beyond slogans. Nurses led evidence‑based projects focused on preventing harm, and strengthened communication and teamwork through daily huddles, mid‑shift check‑ins, and speak‑up practices. All of these practices allowed teams to address concerns in real time.
“Through a strong speak‑up culture, nurses and interdisciplinary partners prioritized early and safe mobility and getting patients out of bed whenever clinically appropriate,” Balu said.
The Fremont unit achieved zero hospital‑acquired pressure injuries in 2025, demonstrating the impact of nurse‑led improvement work.
Excellence in critical care
As a result of these efforts, the Fremont unit was one of the latest units to earn a Beacon Award, a national honor from the American Association of Critical‑Care Nurses. A unit, also referred to as a floor or ward, has a specific care focus within a department.
The Beacon Award recognizes units that deliver outstanding patient care, while also building a healthy, supportive work environment for nurses and the entire care team. To achieve this, many served on staff‑led teams that met weekly for months to collect data, review outcomes, and write examples that showed how their daily work made a difference for patients.
On Dec. 22, nurses across the region celebrated 7 Kaiser Permanente Northern California units that earned a Beacon Award in 2025. In addition to Fremont, the following received a Beacon Award: intensive care units in Sacramento, South Sacramento, Vallejo, and Vacaville, plus the Sacramento’s fourth-floor telemetry unit and a cardiovascular intensive care unit in Santa Clara.
Previously, the Roseville intensive care and the Santa Clara cardiothoracic telemetry units earned Beacon recognition, bringing the total number of Beacon‑designated units in Northern California to 9.
“Beacon-designated units are role models nationwide, and this recognition is a true testament to the dedication and expertise of Kaiser Permanente nurses and care teams,” said Toby Marsh, DNP, RN, Northern California chief nurse executive and vice president of Clinical Integration. “Their commitment to quality care and patient safety makes a difference in the lives of our members and patients every day.”
Building a healthy work environment
A key part of the Beacon journey focused on creating a place where nurses feel heard, supported, and valued. Units completed the Healthy Work Environment Assessment Tool, which evaluated areas such as collaboration, staffing, leadership, and recognition on the unit.
In response, many teams improved shared governance, giving nurses a stronger voice in decisions about care, equipment, and workflows. Some units introduced new tools, like safer ways to help patients get in and out of bed and emergency response equipment to reduce staff injuries while improving patient care.
Professional growth was also a priority. While pursuing Beacon, more nurses sought Critical Care Registered Nurse certification and enrolled in master’s and doctorate nursing programs. These advanced degrees strengthen bedside expertise.
“Focusing on advanced education and specialty certifications shows our dedication to High Reliability Organization principles,” said Balu. “By valuing expertise and resilience, we ensure patients receive care from highly skilled clinicians while supporting professional growth and retention.”
Fremont Chief Nurse Executive and Chief Operating Officer Chris Neilson, MHA, BSN, said, “The Beacon Award is a reflection of authentic leadership, psychological safety, and a relentless commitment to keeping patients at the center of every decision.”
